Brooke Penfield

Family and friends, welcome! We gather here today in the presence of God to witness and celebrate the union of Sherry Hayden and Tom Spala in holy matrimony. It is a joyous occasion, a culmination of thirteen years of shared experiences, love, and support that have brought them to this moment. They want to thank you all for being here to bear witness and celebrate with them.

Sherry and Tom, your story is a testament to resilience, support, and an unwavering love that has seen you through life's toughest trials. Together, you've faced challenges and emerged stronger and more connected than ever before. You've shown us that true love isn't about perfection but the dedication to work through challenges hand in hand.

You met while working together, finding solace and strength in one another during a difficult period in your lives. Through those challenges, you discovered in each other a kindred spirit, igniting a love that has carried you through the years. Today, we reflect on the journey that has brought you here and celebrate the commitment you are making to each other.

Marriage, as you both well know, is not without its imperfections. It is a sacred covenant, a promise to stand together through life's trials and triumphs. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, joys and challenges. But it's within this journey that we discover the true beauty of love. Love isn't the absence of difficulties but rather the steadfast dedication to weathering those storms together. It's choosing to stand by one another's side, to lift each other up, and to cherish the moments of joy and triumph.

We use the words "Love, Honor, and Obey” in vows because Love is the foundation upon which your marriage is built. It is the driving force that binds you together. It is the source of compassion, understanding, and support that will carry you through each day.

Honor is the recognition of the profound respect you hold for one another. It is the acknowledgment of each other's worth, the valuing of your partner's dreams, and the celebration of their accomplishments.

Obey, in this context, does not refer to dominance or control over one another. Rather, it denotes humble recognition that you two are partners in this journey. Tom, as the head of the household, it is important for you to seek and obey God, leading your family closer to Him and growing stronger as a unit.

Sherry, do you take Tom to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and obey, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?

Sherry: I do.

Tom, do you take Sherry to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and obey, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?

Tom: I do.

May I have the rings, please?

Now that you have declared your intent let us symbolize it by exchanging rings and vows. These rings are symbols of the unending circle of love that you share. As you place these rings on each other's fingers, may they be a constant reminder of the promises you have made today.

[Sherry, please place the ring on Tom's finger and repeat after me]

With this ring {} I promise to love you {} when life is easy and when it is hard. {} I promise to hold you in the highest regard. {} To always listen to hear {} instead of listening to respond. {} To always lead with patience, kindness and understanding. {} I promise always to encourage and support you. {} These things I give to you now and forever. {}

[Tom, please place the ring on Sherry's finger and repeat after me]

With this ring {} I promise to love you {} when life is easy and when it is hard. {} I promise to hold you in the highest regard. {} To always listen to hear {} instead of listening to respond. {} To always lead with patience, kindness and understanding. {} I promise always to encourage and support you. {} These things I give to you now and forever. {}

Family and friends. Do you vow to support and help Tom and Sherry to uphold these promises to each other? (Say we do)

Tom and Sherry, remember this day, not just as your wedding day, but as a new beginning. Let the past be the past, do not look back, and always remember to keep moving forward. I encourage you both to find growth and knowledge from the trials you face. Be graceful, for love keeps no record of wrongdoing.

Remember you are a team now; work together so you may never be torn apart. Share your lives, laugh together, cry together, hurt together, and heal together. For love is too precious a gift.

By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spala.